Connecticut’s Christmas Town Is Readying For 23rd Annual Event

BETHLEHEM — Following the tradition of welcoming the holiday season during the first full weekend of December, the 23rd Annual Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, December 5-6, in and around the center of town – Routes 61 and 132

Festivities will open with a lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus at 5 pm Friday. The festival will then run until 10 pm on Friday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday. Admission to the festival is free.

Visitors can enjoy shopping among more than 75 arts and crafts exhibitors in seven buildings on the Village Green. The annual Christmas Town Ornament, sold only during the festival each year, will be available. This year’s ornament, the 22nd in a series, is priced at $7.

There will be hay rides, strolling carolers and other live entertainment, and plenty of food concessions.

Thousands of visitors flock each year to Bethlehem Post Office to make certain their Christmas cards bear a Bethlehem postmark and decorate their cards with a special Christmas cachet. To meet these needs, the post office will extend its hours during the festival. The post office will be open from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, and 8 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

Special events will also include a candlelight procession and reenactment of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter; a Friday Night Advent Vespers service at The First Church of Bethlehem; photographs with Santa Claus; holiday story telling with Mrs Claus (Friday, at the library); a Friends of the Library New and Nearly New Book Sale; and book signings with WTIC Newstalk 1080’s Diane Smith (Saturday, at the library).

Music performances will be offered by The Bell Choirs of First Church of Bethlehem, Bethlehem School Chamber Singers, Nonnewaug High School Band, Nonnewaug High School Choral Ensemble, Woodbury Middle School Band, The Valley Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus, and The Salvation Army Band and Heartsong.

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will offer a special exhibition, “Christmas Traditions, Past & Present,” and also an ornament-making workshop for children.

550 Gallery will host the opening of its third annual holiday exhibition. “Angels Over Bethlehem III: Spirit of Giving – A Woodland Enchantment with St Nicholas” is a traveling exhibit of an angel and figures of St Nicholas in vintage costumes. The gallery is at 550 Main Street South (Route 61).

Free parking will be available at Bethlehem Fairgrounds on Route 61. Free shuttle bus service will be running from the fairgrounds to the center of town. Please note parking will be prohibited in the center of town. Call 203-266-5557 for additional information.